The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
Episode 661: President Benjamin Franklin - Part Two
Release Date: December 2, 2024

Introduction

In the second part of their deep dive into the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin, hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds continue to unravel the lesser-known and often bizarre aspects of Franklin's contributions to American history. Balancing historical facts with their signature comedic flair, Anthony and Reynolds navigate through Franklin's political maneuvers, personal life, and eccentric inventions, all while interjecting humorous anecdotes and banter.

Franklin's Political Maneuvering and the Penn Family Feud

The episode delves into Franklin's intricate relationship with the Penn family, highlighting his attempts to navigate and eventually undermine their control over Pennsylvania.

• Formation of the Militia:
  Dave Anthony explains, "Ben writes propaganda to make it happen," referencing Franklin's efforts to organize a voluntary defense militia amidst escalating tensions with British troops and French allies.
  ["Ben wrote propaganda to organize a militia" - Dave Anthony, 10:19]

• Appointment as Postmaster:
  Franklin's strategic appointment of his son to the postmaster position is scrutinized as a prime example of nepotism taken to extremes. Gareth humorously comments on the significance of controlling the mail in those times:
  ["Postmaster, it's just... you control the mail. You're in charge of the mail." - Gareth Reynolds, 11:30]

• Conflict with Governor John Penn:
  The hosts highlight the escalating conflict between Franklin and the Penn family, culminating in Franklin's lobbying efforts in England and the subsequent fallout.
  ["The governor is like, writing his little, like, hurt journal." - Gareth Reynolds, 22:13]
  ["Ben felt a more thorough contempt for him than I have ever felt for any man living." - Dave Anthony, 30:00]

Franklin's Time in England and the Stamp Act Controversy

Franklin's extended stay in England serves as a focal point for discussing his diplomatic efforts and the looming Stamp Act, which would become a catalyst for American independence.

• Negotiations and Frustrations:
  Franklin's inability to sway the Penn family and the British government's stubbornness are portrayed through their discussions. Gareth mockingly refers to the bureaucratic impasse:
  ["Why am I talking to you? If you can't do anything, just go to the charter." - Dave Anthony, 30:22]

• Stamp Act and Public Reaction:
  The implementation of the Stamp Act and the immediate backlash from American colonists are covered extensively. The hosts illustrate how Franklin's propaganda and the public's protests led to significant political changes:
  ["John Penn... calls it a dishonor and disgrace." - Dave Anthony, 43:25]
  ["They need a Law and Order president." - Gareth Reynolds, 56:19]

• Ben Franklin's Shift in Stance:
  Initially a monarchist, Franklin's perspectives begin to shift as he witnesses the growing unrest and effectiveness of colonial resistance.
  ["He changes course. He starts writing letters. He uses pseudonyms to write propaganda..." - Dave Anthony, 56:03]

Franklin's Inventions and Personal Quirks

Beyond his political life, Franklin's inventive spirit and personal eccentricities are explored with humor and admiration.

• Glass Harmonica:
  Franklin's invention of the glass harmonica and its subsequent cultural impact, including its association with witchcraft and the infamous belief that it drove musicians insane, are discussed:
  ["He demonstrated it to Beethoven and Mozart... superstitious beliefs." - Dave Anthony, 38:08]

• Attempted Alphabet Reform:
  The comedic segment on Franklin's failed attempt to reform the English alphabet showcases his innovative yet impractical side. Gareth and Dave joke about the complexity and redundancy of Franklin's proposed changes:
  ["He came up with a new one. He got rid of six letters..." - Dave Anthony, 61:55]
  ["We don't need our letters... Because our language sucks." - Gareth Reynolds, 62:37]

• Diet and Health Fads:
  Franklin's obsession with health trends, such as his alternative bathing methods and corn-based diets, are portrayed humorously:
  ["He decided to fix it. He liked hanging it out." - Dave Anthony, 59:27]
  ["Picturing this naked weirdo just eating succotash." - Gareth Reynolds, 60:32]

Personal Life and Relationships

The dynamic between Franklin and his family, particularly his strained relationship with his wife Deborah and his son William, is examined with a blend of humor and pathos.

• Estrangement from Family:
  The tension arising from Franklin's extended absences and his complicated relationship with his son is a recurring theme:
  ["He hadn't seen her for 11 years, so maybe he must have traveled a couple times." - Dave Anthony, 79:03]
  ["He just loves playing the field and getting gout." - Gareth Reynolds, 57:30]

• Franklin's Grandchildren and Legacy:
  The episode touches upon Franklin's role as a grandfather and his influence on future generations, albeit in a satirical manner:
  ["He met with a bunch of academics... Ben expects to be away for about a year." - Dave Anthony, 25:06]

Conclusion and Teasers for Part Three

As the episode wraps up, Dave and Gareth reflect on Franklin's tumultuous journey from a loyalist to a key figure in America's fight for independence. They tease the upcoming third part, promising to delve deeper into Franklin's transformation and eventual presidency.

• Final Reflections:
  ["You are listening to Joe Rogan... We need to have Alex Jones on the show." - Gareth Reynolds, 44:41]
  ["Ben Franklin was the most influential man in the... he becomes President of the United States of America." - Dave Anthony, 81:11]

• Teaser for Part Three:
  The hosts build anticipation for the next installment by highlighting unresolved threads in Franklin's story, including his legal troubles and final contributions to American society.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. "Ben wrote propaganda to organize a militia."

   • Dave Anthony at 10:19

2. "Postmaster, it's just... you control the mail. You're in charge of the mail."

   • Gareth Reynolds at 11:30

3. "Why am I talking to you? If you can't do anything, just go to the charter."

   • Dave Anthony at 30:22

4. "He changes course. He starts writing letters. He uses pseudonyms to write propaganda..."

   • Dave Anthony at 56:03

5. "He's a nudist. He's just... I know he isn't. He likes hanging it out."

   • Gareth Reynolds at 59:38

6. "We don't need our letters... Because our language sucks."

   • Gareth Reynolds at 62:37

7. "Ben Franklin was the most influential man in the... he becomes President of the United States of America."

   • Dave Anthony at 81:11

Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds adeptly blend historical facts with creative storytelling, offering listeners a nuanced portrayal of Benjamin Franklin. They emphasize Franklin's complex character—his brilliance as an inventor and statesman juxtaposed with his personal shortcomings and political machinations. The hosts highlight how Franklin's actions and decisions were pivotal in shaping the early American republic, all while maintaining an engaging and humorous narrative that makes history accessible and entertaining.

Resources and References

The hosts mention several sources and references that provide additional context and depth to their discussions:

• Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
• Biography by Ronald Clark
• Benjamin Franklin House Museum
• Reuters Archives.com
• "The Wagon Affair" by J. Bell Whitfield and Leonard W. Labery in the Proceedings of American Philosophical Society
• "Ben Franklin to Jacques Baba de Bong"
• Washington Post, LA Times, History.net, All Things Liberty, and Philly Magazine

These sources underpin the historical accuracy of the episode while allowing listeners to explore Franklin's life further.

Final Thoughts

Episode 661 of The Dollop successfully combines meticulous historical research with sharp comedic elements, offering a compelling and entertaining exploration of Benjamin Franklin's role in American history. Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds not only inform but also engage their audience, making complex historical events both understandable and amusing. As they set the stage for the concluding part of Franklin's story, listeners are left eagerly anticipating the resolution of Franklin's multifaceted legacy.